In the wake of the tragic pickup‑truck incident at Wichita’s Stryker Sports Complex, two Johnson County Catholic high schools have turned to prayer and community support. St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park and St. James Academy in the same county issued statements expressing deep sorrow for the victims and gratitude for the safety of their own student‑athletes.
School statements and prayer gatherings
Judy Callahan, director of strategic communications for the schools, wrote that “our hearts and prayers are with the families and individuals affected by this tragedy.” She added that while the schools are grateful none of their own teams were injured, they recognize the “tremendous pain and sorrow” felt by families throughout the region.
Both schools were present at the inaugural state girls’ flag‑football championship when the attack occurred. No student‑athletes, staff, or family members from the participating teams were harmed.
St. James Academy responded immediately by hosting a rosary in its chapel on Sunday night, inviting students, families, and community members to pray for the injured and the deceased. Academy President Andy Tylicki said the school was “proud that our girls turned to our Lord in the face of this tragedy.”
St. Thomas Aquinas High School scheduled a prayer vigil for Monday at 5:30 p.m. Callahan said the vigil will give athletes, families, and the broader community a chance to “pray, asking God to wrap His loving arms around all those affected, especially those who are injured and for the eternal rest of those who have lost their lives.”
Details of the Wichita incident
At about 3:25 p.m. on Saturday, emergency responders were called to the Stryker Sports Complex after a black pickup truck drove onto a soccer field, striking multiple people. Wichita Police confirmed that two individuals—a 6‑year‑old boy and a 35‑year‑old man, both from McPherson—were killed. Ten others were injured, including five children, with ages ranging from 5 to 68.
The driver, a 34‑year‑old woman from Garden City, was released from custody pending toxicology results and a vehicle inspection. Police say she had been parked near the fields before driving onto the field and hitting the victims.
Community response
Shawnee Mission School District officials also released statements confirming that all student‑athletes, staff, and families were safe. “All SMSD families and staff are accounted for, and our thoughts are with all those involved and impacted by today’s tragedy,” said district spokesperson Jake Potter.
Local faith leaders and parents have praised the schools’ swift spiritual response, noting that prayer and communal support are vital for healing after such a shocking event. The vigils and rosary provide a tangible way for the community to come together, offering comfort rooted in shared Christian belief.
Looking ahead
While investigations continue, the focus in Johnson County remains on supporting the victims’ families and helping the broader community process the trauma. The Catholic schools’ prayer vigils underscore the role of faith‑based institutions in offering solace and unity during times of crisis.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
